What preparatory work needs to be done before a sow gives birth?
The sow is the core group of the entire farm, and its reproductive performance determines the productivity level and profitability of a farm. Farrowing is also a relatively important task, and many people often find themselves at a loss, so what should be prepared before a sow gives birth? Let's take a look.
1. Estimate the farrowing time
After the sow is mated, the expected farrowing date needs to be calculated, generally using the "three-three system", that is, three months, three weeks plus three days. Therefore, at the breeding household, the mating time must be firmly remembered so that the sow's expected farrowing date can be estimated well. Generally, the gestation period of a sow is about 110-120 days, with an average of 114 days. So everyone generally calculates based on an expected farrowing date of 114 days; farrowing 4 days early or 4 days late is normal, and in this way the farrowing time can be estimated well.
2. Observe the pre-farrowing signs
As the sow approaches giving birth, a series of physiological changes will occur, such as enlarged, red and swollen udders and slow movement. Specifically, 5 days before farrowing, the sow's udders begin to enlarge, become flushed red and shiny, and the teats on both sides swell outward; at this time, squeezing with the hand will produce milk flow. 3 days before farrowing, the sow walks slowly, and lying down and getting up are noticeably sluggish; at this time, touching the udders with the hand gives a feeling of heat. 12 hours before farrowing, squeezing the sow's udders will express relatively thick milk; when a large amount of milk is expressed, the sow will farrow within 12 hours. In addition, 6-10 hours before farrowing, the sow will also look for things to make a nest, continuously scrape the ground with her front legs, behave abnormally, and make grunting sounds from her mouth.
3. Preparatory work
Before farrowing, the environmental sanitation of the pig pen should be well managed, keeping the environment clean and hygienic, and it should also be kept quiet to avoid frightening the sow and causing dystocia. In addition, thorough disinfection work is needed, and a heat preservation box should be prepared. Before farrowing, the sow should be driven into the farrowing room to await delivery. Before farrowing, scissors, iodine tincture, cloth strips, small wooden sticks, iron shovels, syringes and corresponding medicines need to be prepared, so that various nursing tasks for the piglets can be carried out after farrowing.
The above is an introduction to what to prepare before a sow gives birth. I hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.